FC Barcelona have confirmed that striker Leo Messi will be out of action for two months after suffering a muscle injury during his side's 4-1 win away to Betis on Sunday night.

Messi pulled up midway through the first half and was immediately replaced by Andres Iniesta. He cut a dejected figure in the dugout and also at the airport prior to his team's return to Barcelona after suffering what is his fourth muscle injury in the last eight months.

The club carried out tests on the extent of the striker's injury on Monday morning and then issued a communique confirming he will be out of action for between 6 to 8 weeks.

That means he almost certainly will not play again this year, but the fact is that the club may consider they have been fortunate. If Messi's recovery goes to plan he will miss just four games in the BBVA Primera Liga, at home to Granada and Villarreal, which his side should win with few problems, and the more complicated trips to play away to Athletic Club Bilbao, who are unbeaten in their new San Mames Stadium and Getafe.

Messi will also miss two Champions League games, against Glasgow Celtic and Ajax, but his side have already assured their place in the last 16 of the competition and are superior to both rivals, while in the Copa del Rey, Barca play Cartagena, a side from the third tier of the Spanish game and again should progress with ease even if Messi is absent.

Speaking about Messi's injury after Sunday's game, coach Tata Martino and team-mate Ces Fabrigas were both comprehensive over his problems with Martino expressing concern that this run of muscle problems could affect Messi's confidence

"I can't explain what it happening to him and I don't know whether or not it is down to coincidence, but I don't want to speak about things I don't know. First of all I want to know how serious the injury is and then get him fit again."

"We have the best player in the world but after that we have another four who are in the top six or seven in the world," said the Barcelona coach.

Meanwhile Fabrigas, who has suffered his own share of physical problems, advised Messi to ensure he doesn't return until he has fully recovered.

"He needs to rest for the time that is needed. He needs to be able to use his explosive pace in order to shine. Something similar happened to me and it is very difficult, you think that you have recovered but it's not the case," said Cesc.

"I had the same injury and I suffered for the year and a half in which I was not fully fit. It's a really frustrating injury and he has to stop for as long as needed because if not he will not recover," he added.

Meanwhile there was some good news for Barca as young defender Marc Bartra was called up to the Spain squad for the forthcoming friendly games after Cesc was forced to withdraw with a knee problem.

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